The ANC Eastern Cape region of Amathole landed in hot water for nominating Phumulo Masualle in the leadership race. Picture: File
Analysts have warned that the disbanding of an ANC regional structure for allegedly backing unsanctioned candidates could set a precedent ahead of conference.
The warning follows the dissolution the Amathole Regional Executive Committee(REC) by the Provincial Executive Committee(PEC) could open the door for other provinces to "punish" regions that refuse to toe the line.
The Amathole REC was disbanded amid claims "it could not save itself from itself."
ANC members in Amathole, however, believe the move was factionally driven, as the region had opted to support former premier Phumulo Masualle in the race for ANC leadership.
Masualle is a long time rival of Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane, with whom he clashed during the infamous 2017 ANC conference, dubbed "the festival of chairs," in 2017.
The disbanded Amathole region is also believed to be backing former health minister Zweli Mkhize for ANC president, with whom Masualle has aligned himself.
Amathole regional spokesperson Thabo Matiwane said the PEC’s decision was "factional and irrational."
"The regional leadership’s sin was to support Mkhize and his running mate, Phumulo Masualle, for the secretary-general position," Matiwane said.
Matiwane described their disbandment as a political purge. The REC is expected to appeal the decision.
Analysts have, however, warned that more regional structures could be disbanded.
Professor Sipho Seepe said what the upper structures were doing was bullying.
"There are penalties for going against the grain; those who choose to act independently should expect that there will be penalties; that is the risk," Seepe said.
He said the more powerful structures, including the ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC), would not hesitate to use their power and influence to control the conference outcomes.
"In the ANC, we have what they call democratic centralism, which means that once the higher structures have decided, the lower structures must abide.
“There are also sites of power and influence. This is why the NEC could disband leagues, provincial structures, and even the REC whenever it felt like it because it carries the power and uses it," Seepe said.
He was referring to the disbanded ANC Youth and Women’s leagues.
Weekend Argus has previously reported that the leagues were reportedly disbanded to manipulate the outcome of the conference.
The leagues conferences along with the Western Cape and Free State conference were held in abeyance until after the 55th ANC conference taking place next week.
At the conference the ANC is expected to elect its new leadership. It’s unclear how the much anticipated conference will play out after the independent panel on Phala Phala found that President Cyril Ramaphosa had a case to answer as he may have violated several parts of the Constitution.
Another analyst, Professor Andre Duvenhage, said this was proof that the ANC and most of its structures were dysfunctional.
"It is not working. They are very ineffective; there is a lot of maladministration and corruption going on," Duvenhage said.
He said while the party followed a formula to create its hierarchy, it also highlighted serious issues with the ANC's election processes.
"The branches are clearly not in good standing as they aren't following proper processes, leading to the disqualification of branches and time zones."
"This is all to manipulate the process and outcome of conferences," Duvenhage said.
He said it was highly likely that more regions could be disbanded.
"This is not a limited problem; it's a generic problem; you will find this in more provinces," Duvenhage said.
He added that it was clear that Ramaphosa's plan to work to clinch more regions had failed.